Better Breathing Blog by PowerLung

The sport of running, specifically for entering races, has grown a lot in the last 10 years, but many of the established races (like the Boston or Chicago Marathons) are intimidating for new runners. However, there are plenty of small or themed races which provide a more relaxed, less competitive atmosphere for those just breaking into the race scene. These 5 races offer some of the most fun and rewarding experiences, combined with beautiful scenery and/or unique venues to mix racing with leisure activities.

Whether you are in top shape because of summer or NOT in top shape because of summer, back to school is an ideal time to get back in shape. The weather will soon cool off, providing opportunities to return to a fitness routine, and the stores and farmers markets are chock full of healthy foods, offering an abundance of great produce to kick start new health eating habits. Improving health through a fitness regimen and better eating can be accomplished as a family, so take this time to set the school year off right with a plan to improve your physical health.

Let’s look at some of the best (and easiest) tips for getting back to school…and back to health!

You have made it past the halfway mark of 2018. You may have set some lofty goals for improving your health and fitness. Take a deep breath (hopefully improving your respiratory health was one of your goals) and look back on the year; where have you rocked it, were partially successful, and where did you fail? By reflecting on how far you have come, you can get back on track, celebrate the successes you have had, and re-establish resolutions you still have time to achieve.

Summer vacation is fast approaching. Although you likely have a training regime well underway, the warm weather leads to visions of morning runs, bike rides, and workouts as athletes consider scorching heat. With kids out of school, this is also the most popular time for family vacations, which (although fun) can wreak havoc on your fitness routine and plans. It is easy to lose hope that you can maintain your fitness level during these interruptions, but never fear…there ARE tools which not only prevent you from losing what you’ve gained, but some which can be taken with you on vacation, boosting your confidence while relaxing on the beach, by the pool, or visiting your favorite parks and historical cities!

There has been a nationwide resurgence in running, and running clubs are organizing all over the country. Technology has allowed for drastic improvement of running shoes, accessories, and even jogging strollers, making the activity easier to take up than ever before. And why not? Running is a sport that can be continued throughout one’s lifetime, anywhere, at any time. As family-oriented races pop up in many large and small cities alike, it is the perfect time to consider training for—and entering—a race as a family.

Swimming is an undeniably valuable type of aerobic exercise, but it can be intimidating to start. Many adults took standard swim lessons offered at the local pool as children, and some children may even excel at the sport, while others just “get by.” A few may even join a swim team; however, most adults give up on swimming and water activities in general. But water exercise comes in different forms and has a variety of benefits which should be considered when looking for an enjoyable fitness activity, and something one can share with other adults and children alike.

Physically active vacations have exploded in popularity. Diving in the cenotes, ziplining in the Amazon, and climbing in the Alps are all trips which at one time were an activity done during a vacation and are now the focus of the vacation. As busy families look for ways to connect and unplug, sports-focused trips continue to prove a perfect opportunity for adults and children to stay physically fit while enjoying a new location and each other. Mountain biking, therefore, is a perfect mix of this; with a combination of skills most family members have mastered (bicycling) and the beauty of nature or the wonder of a new place.

Anyone diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may understand the breathing challenges that come with walking to the mailbox or up a flight of stairs. While medications can help manage the condition, they cannot cure it. To find relief, many physicians recommend patients engage in breathing exercises. This post will focus on breathing for COPD and breathing techniques that can strengthen lung capacity and stave off symptoms, including using a device such as the PowerLung.

Correct breathing is underestimated, and over time, the (bad) habit poor breathing habits, combined with many hours spent hunched over a computer screen, the desire to have a trim midsection (sucking in the tummy) and the continual state of stress and hurry which many teenagers and adults experience, have all contributed to shallow breathing becoming the “norm.” It may not seem like a big deal, but you’re only filling a fraction of your lung capacity. Shallow breathing affects focus, cell metabolism, and many other functions in the body. Let’s investigate the problems with shallow breathing and how you can learn to breathe more deeply for better health through breathing exercises.

We all know there are many methods (but few secrets) to lose weight and improve fitness. From running to biking, swimming to Tai Bo, hiking to water aerobics, there is no limit to the variation of athletic activities which can be performed to help participants lose weight. But what you might not know is that the simple act of breathing can help you lose weight as well. Now, before you stand there and start hyperventilating by over-exerting yourself, there is more to it. Nothing replaces dedication and willpower. But it may give you some confidence that you can add to your weight lose plan by focusing on the way you breathe. Simply changing the manner in which you breathe on a regular basis will improve your metabolism and help motive you during weight loss. Even if you have a regular exercise routine, this provides added value for those times when you are unable to work out.